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Papers on Fertilizing Residual Materials
The impact of land application of biosolids (treated
municipal sewage sludge) on dairy milk quality was measured in real farm
operating conditions where biosolids were applied in accordance with the
regulatory framework prescribed in the province of Quebec (Canada).
The milk from 14 farms receiving biosolids were sampled in the Saguenay
region in December 2009 and compared to the milk from 14 control farms. The
tested farms had used biosolids an average of 11 years. Statistical analysis
revealed no difference in the content of inorganic contaminants (arsenic,
copper, molybdenum, zinc and thallium) in milk. These results suggest
absence of induced hypocupriosis for dairy cows from farms using biosolids.
However, the content of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was higher in
milk sampled from the farms using biosolids. Differences could be due, in
part, by variability of exposition to dust among farm buildings. PBDE levels
were however very low (mean value of 7,2 ng/L), and remained 3-7 times lower
than the average levels recorded for various dairy products in the United
States and Europe (fat content basis). These low levels could be linked, in
part, to lower air depositions on forage in the Saguenay region or lower
dust contamination in farm buildings. Based on these results, current
knowledge and available data, the application of municipal biosolids under
Québec regulations would have no significant impact on PBDE exposure for
consumers of dairy products produced in Quebec.
Complete version ( PDF
file, 295 Ko)
Vertigo – Volume 11 - No 2 – October 2011
In recent years, many municipalities have
devoted significant efforts to recover fallen leaves that are collected in
the fall. They have also worked hard to abide with the Government of
Québec’s beneficial use objectives to transform leaves into useful
humus-rich compost, rather than haul leaves to landfill sites and deal with
the related environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions.
Complete version (French, PDF
file, 287 Ko)
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Beneficial
use of municipal biosolids in the silviculture industry
In Québec, municipal biosolids have been used beneficially for land
application over the last 20 years. Although the principal use of most
biosolids has been for agriculture and composting, application in the
silviculture industry offers an interesting potential.
This document begins by tracing the early development of use of
biosolids in the silviculture sector since the 1990s and discusses
research that has been carried out in the province and its impact on
development of the Ministère’s technical and legal framework. It goes on
to examine the principal advantages and disadvantages of using biosolids
in the silviculture industry, along with recent initiatives for use of
biosolids in different regions of Québec. It also provides some incite
into the outlook for the potential beneficial use of biosolids in
siviculture, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, renewable energy production and public acceptance of biosolid
use.
Complete version (French, PDF
file, 649 Ko)
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Biosolids Application and the Precautionary Principle - Comparison with
Current Agricultural Practices
In recent years, certain rural municipalities in Québec have banned
the application of municipal biosolids on municipal land, a decision
they often justify by citing the precautionary principle. However, case
law in 2011 established that such bans do not fall under municipal
jurisdiction. But, the question remains, what is the result of applying
the precautionary principle to land application of biosolids?
Complete version (PDF
file, 106 Ko)
Vecteur environnement – September 2011
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Dioxins, furans, PCBs and PAHs in eastern Canada compost
(July 2003)
Abstract - There is currently no Canadian national standard for levels of
dioxins and furans in compost. The CAN/BNQ and CCME compost criteria are now
under revision, and the need for a dioxin/furan criteria is being evaluated.
This study presents data on the levels of dioxins/furans, dioxin-like PCBs
and PAHs in 14 composts made in the provinces of Québec and Nova-Scotia.
Levels of dioxins and furans were low, with an average of 9.7 ng I-TEQ/kg
dry weight, and a range of 1.0 to 31 ng I-TEQ/kg. All composts met the
Québec C2 criteria for dioxins and furans of 50 ng I-TEQ/kg or less, and 86
% met the C1 criteria of 17 ng I- TEQ/kg or less. Dioxin/furan levels of all
composts were between 10 and 300 times lower than the risk based limit of
300 ng TEQDFP originally proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA). On average, dioxin-like PCBs represent less than 20 % of the
TEQDFP total. Levels of PAH were generally low, over 96 % of all analyses
were below either the detection or quantification limit. Based on these
results, the inclusion of dioxins/furans, PCBs, or PAHs as parameters of
concern in the CAN/BNQ or the CCME compost criteria do not appear to be
justified.
Complete version (PDF
file, 80 Ko)
Vecteur environnement - Volume 36 - No 4 -
July 2003
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Independent quality control of fertilizing residuals by
Environment Québec: Summary of parts I & II
Abstract - An independent quality control done by the ministère de
l’Environnement (MENV) demonstrates that all of the fertilizing residuals
(FR) sampled in 2000 and 2001 respected the maximum limits for contaminant
and pathogen content. The determination of category based on chemical
contaminants (category C1 or C2) by the promoter was reliable or
conservative
in 96% of the cases. The determination of category based on pathogen levels
(category P1, P2, or P3) by the promoters was reliable or conservative in at
least 83% of the cases. In 17% of the cases, the samples taken by the MENV
showed a P2 category, while the promoters claimed that their product was P1.
This implies a possible underestimation of risk by the promoters. However,
the pathogen exceedances beyond the P1 criteria for E. coli were
relatively low, and the numbers measured were well below those typically
found in manure.
The fertilizing element content alleged by the promoters were also generally
reliable for the
purpose of determining agro-environmental spreading rates. However, the use
of a
complementary nitrogen fertilizer indicated to minimise the risk of over or
under fertilization
with certain FRs.
Complete version (PDF
file, 86 Ko)
Part 1 : Vecteur
environnement - Volume 35 - No 5 - September 2002
Part 2 : Vecteur environnement - Volume 36 - No 1 - January 2003
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Fall spreading of fertilizing
residuals – environmental risks and preventive measures
Abstract - Fertilizing residuals (FR) and composts are often
beneficially used post-harvest, at the end of the summer or the fall, both
for practical reasons and to reduce odour problems. However, this practice
is questioned due to the risk of water contamination. This article examines
the main parameters (contaminants) that must be considered, based on a
review of the pertinent Québec literature. These parameters are examined as
a function of their environmental pressure as determined by the quantities
and characteristics of the FR, the state of the environment in terms of
water, air, soil and food, and the level of protection offered by the
current government standards (the Pressure-State-Response). Studies show
that the environmental and human health risks from spreading FR in the fall
are low and generally less than those of farm manures. This is particularly
true for composts and paper mill biosolids with a C/N > 20, even more so
considering that most FR do not contain pathogens. Fall spreading of FR is
also preferable to a spring or summer spreading in terms of odours and
bioaérosols. Spreading FR high in organic matter and compost in the fall,
rather than discarding them, would permit, either directly or indirectly, to
reduce : soil erosion of the receiving soil, contamination of surface waters
(suspended solids) and greenhouse gas emissions (CH4
and possibly N2O for FR with a high C/N
ratio). Simple preventive measures are proposed to minimize losses of
nitrogen to the environment, as a function of the C/N ratio and the N-NH4/Ntotal
of FR, and to reduce risks of surface water contamination by pathogens.
Complete version (PDF
file, 303 Ko)
Agrosol - Volume 16 - No 1 -
June 2005
Fertilization of farmland with municipal biosolid waste has been
practiced for some twenty years in a number of Québec regions, but
development of this forestry sector has remained sluggish. And yet, this
type of residue commonly serves as a forest and reforestation nutrient
elsewhere in the world, and has for decades. The question is, why hasn’t
this practice taken off here?
Complete version (French, PDF
file, 366 Ko)
Vecteur environnement - January 2011
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Municipal Biosolids – What is the Best Option for the Climate?
Climate change is here, and it’s real: Immediate action is required to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For this reason, in 2011, in parallel
with its Climate Change Action Plan, Québec has set GHG goals as part of its
new policy on residual materials management, that include zero organic
matter in waste disposal sites by 2020 and reusing 60% of such matter by
2015 through biomethanation, composting and spreading residual matter
fertilizers.
Complete version
(PDF
file, 138 ko)
Vecteur Environnement - September
2011
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Paper-based bedding, a
possible solution?
Québec’s recycled paperboard market
experienced difficulties in 2009. In light of the situation, some have
contemplated allocating a portion of the accumulated stockpiles of old
papers for use as animal bedding, particularly in the beef and
meat-producing chicken sectors. Although this idea is not new, the use of
paper as bedding has remained marginal in Québec until now. The article
presents the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Complete version (French, PDF
file, 380 Ko)
This article appeared in “Bovins du Québec” - Fall 2009
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Pathogens in biosolids and other
residuals: standards and criteria for land application in Quebec
Abstract - The use of municipal biosolids (treated sewage
slugge) in agriculture follows the ancient tradition of fertilizing plants
with « human manures ». This use is also compatible with the modern concept
of sustainable development, as long as levels of contaminants in the
biosolids are low. This article focuses specifically on the potential risks
posed by pathogens in municipal biosolids and other fertilizing residuals
(FR) of municipal and industrial origins. It also presents the current risk
management practices of the Ministry of Sustainable development, Environment
and Parks to minimize risks to human and animal health. A literature review
shows that the Québec criteria are very conservative. Close to 80% of the FR
spread on agricultural soils are either disinfected or not contaminated by
fecal matter (P1 category). The remaining 20% (P2 and P3 categories) are
partially disinfected, in case of fecal contamination, and are subject to
many spreading restrictions, which are much more restrictive than those
applied to non-disinfected farm manures. Recent studies in Québec suggest
that the Québec approach needs certain modifications with regards to the
validity of E. coli as a microbial risk indicator. Complete version (French)
Agrosol - Volume 16 - No 2 -
February 2006
The use of wood ash to improve soil pH and increase soil
fertility, formerly a common practice, was largely abandoned in the early
20th century when alternative products arrived on the market (agricultural
lime, muriate of potash). Burning large quantities of wood industry residues
for energy purpose, contributed to increase availability of wood ash in
Québec. More than 300 000tm (wet weight) are produced yearly in the province
and approximately half of this amount was recycled as soil amendment in
2007; more than 80 000tm were applied for agricultural purposes on 250
farms. Literature clearly shows that using ash is efficient for correction
of soil acidity and contributes to bring nutrients to crops. Ash
applications to soil also generally allow increase in crop yields compared
to agricultural limestone. Its economic value has been estimated between 20
and 65 $/tm for normal ash. Its agricultural use could also reduce
greenhouse gases emission, which may lead to credits of carbon. However, ash
quality varies, mainly because of wood type, burning conditions and water
addition. In addition, alkalinity, potassium and dust contents require both
environmental and agronomic precautions. Government regulations and
commercial standards (BNQ), govern their use. However, this underlying
framework must be complemented with the use of best agronomic practices.
Both regulations and appropriate practices allow safe and economical use of
ash in agriculture, in accordance with sustainable development. (French)
Agrosol - Volume 19 - No 2 -
December 2008
Other articles about residual fertilizing materials were
published in journals. (French)
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